Ferry to Morocco
Barcelona - Tanger Med
Straight from Catalonia to northern Morocco, no detour via Andalusia - with cabin, car and halal cuisine on board
- Around 31 hours direct with GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) - one night on board
- About two departures a week, considerably more frequent in the summer months
- Check-in Barcelona: around 4 hrs before departure with a vehicle - a passport is required
Route guide
Barcelona - Tanger Med ferry at a glance
Table of Contents
Everything about the Barcelona - Tanger Med route with GNV: getting to the ferry terminal at Moll de Sant Bertran, check-in and travel documents, the night on board, vehicle and pet rules, and onward travel from the port of Tanger Med.
Getting to the terminal in Barcelona
GNV departs from the Ferry Barcelona terminal at Moll de Sant Bertran 3, in the Sants-Montjuïc district, around three kilometres from the Rambla and 15 kilometres from El Prat Airport. By car you reach the port via the Ronda Litoral (B-10); guarded car parks such as the World Trade Center or Parking Moll de la Costa also offer long-stay rates. Without a vehicle, take Metro line L3 to Drassanes or buses 59 and D20; from the airport the Rodalies R2 Sud line runs into the city, and by taxi you'll reach the terminal in 20 to 25 minutes. The GNV counters open from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and four hours before departure for weekend or night sailings.
Check-in and travel documents
For the Morocco routes, GNV recommends being at the terminal at least four hours before departure with a vehicle, since passport and vehicle checks come before boarding. At the counter you show your ticket, on paper or smartphone, and the ID of everyone travelling, including children. You need a valid passport for Morocco, an ID card is not enough; EU nationals can enter for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Drivers should keep their driving licence and vehicle registration document ready, and vehicles running on LPG must be reported to staff when boarding.
On board
The line is served by Excellent, Excelsior and Fantastic, alongside the newer GNV Aurora, GNV Virgo and GNV Cristal. For the night on board you choose between inside and outside cabins, suites, reclining seats and deck passage. Catering is provided in the à la carte restaurant, the self-service restaurant, the pizzeria, the bars and the bistro; halal dishes are on offer, along with a prayer room, children's areas, duty-free shops and the Sea-Fi Wi-Fi. Payment on board is in euros; you'll only need dirham once in Morocco.
Vehicle, bicycle and pet
Cars, motorbikes and motorhomes travel on the car deck; the larger the vehicle, the higher the fare, so give the correct dimensions when booking. At check-in your vehicle gets a windscreen tag, and the boarding card shows its parking spot - the deck stays closed during the crossing. What's needed for the temporary import into Morocco is covered in the Motorhome guide. Dogs and cats travel in the "Pets Welcome on Board" programme in pet cabins or the ship's pet areas, with lead and muzzle rules in communal areas; a pet passport and veterinary documents are required. The entry rules are summarised in the Dog & Pet guide.
Arrival in Tanger Med and onward travel
The ferry docks at the Gare Maritime of Tanger Med's passenger port, in the Ksar el Majaz free zone, around 40 kilometres east of the city of Tanger and connected to the Moroccan trunk road network via the A4 motorway. After docking you go through customs control; vehicles undergo an additional check. Regular shuttle and scheduled buses connect the port with central Tanger and Ibn Battuta Airport, and there are also taxis and ample parking for short- and long-stay visitors. For the return crossing, GNV check-in in Tanger Med opens nine hours before departure and closes four hours before.
Tickets and fares
GNV sells refundable and cheaper, non-refundable fares. Changing the date, accommodation or number of passengers is possible against the price difference; a return ticket booked together can only be changed as a whole. The cancellation fee rises in steps the closer you get to departure, and from six days before there's no refund at all. The cheapest way to travel is to book early and outside the summer holidays; the booking window shows prices for your date, and the price overview gives an outline.
Barcelona - Tanger Med
From Catalonia to northern Morocco in one night
The Barcelona - Tanger Med route saves you the long drive through Spain: from the terminal at Moll de Sant Bertran, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) sails direct to the deep-water port of Tanger Med in around 31 hours. The company runs about twice a week, and increases the frequency in the summer months for Marhaba travellers; the return crossing takes a little longer at around 37 hours.
You spend one night on board, so a cabin is worth booking. Tanger Med lies around 40 kilometres east of Tanger and is connected to the Moroccan road network via the A4 motorway - from here you're quickly in Tanger, Tétouan, or on your way to Rabat and Casablanca.
- Crossing
- around 31 hrs
- Ferry company
- GNV
- Frequency
- about 2x per week
- From price
- €72
Next departures
FAQ Barcelona - Tanger Med
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Barcelona - Tanger Med ferry route
How long is the ferry from Barcelona to Tanger Med?+
GNV states around 31 hours for the direct crossing; the return, Tanger Med - Barcelona, takes around 37 hours. In the timetable data, crossing times range from about 29 to 34 hours depending on the ship. Either way, you spend one night on board.
How often does the ferry run and which company operates the route?+
The route is served by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) with about two departures a week; in the summer months the company increases the frequency, and around Ramadan and public holidays there are extra sailings. The specific dates for your travel date are shown in the timetable.
What does the ferry from Barcelona to Tanger Med cost?+
The price depends on season, cabin category and vehicle. As a foot passenger with a reclining seat you pay the least, with a car and outside cabin in summer the most; booking early secures the cheaper allocations. The booking window shows the entry-level price for your date, and the price overview gives an indication.
Are there cabins on board?+
Yes. GNV offers inside and outside cabins, suites and reclining seats, as well as deck passage. For the night on board, a cabin is the most comfortable option, the reclining seat the budget alternative. You choose your accommodation when booking.
What documents do I need for the crossing to Morocco?+
You need a valid passport - an ID card is not enough for Morocco. EU nationals can enter for tourist stays of up to 90 days without a visa; your passport should still be valid for at least six months on entry. For the vehicle, keep your driving licence and registration document ready.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, cars, motorbikes and motorhomes travel on the car deck; give the exact dimensions when booking, as the deck stays closed during the crossing. What applies for the temporary import of your vehicle into Morocco is explained in the guide Travelling to Morocco by motorhome.
Can my pet come on board?+
Yes. Dogs and cats travel with GNV in pet-friendly cabins or in the pet areas on board and have their own exercise zones on deck; lead and muzzle rules apply in communal areas. A pet passport and vaccination records are required. What Morocco requires on entry is covered in the guide Travelling to Morocco with a dog.